Tea Recipes

Classic Southern Sweet Iced Tea

Millie Pham

There’s nothing more refreshing than a tall glass of homemade Southern sweet tea!

It’s smooth, perfectly sweet, and packed with that rich, brewed tea flavor we all love.

If you’ve ever had sweet tea at a family gathering or a backyard barbecue, you know it’s a staple.

And the best part?

It’s super easy to make at home!

This recipe gives you that classic Southern taste—just the right balance of strong tea and sweetness.

Plus, I’ll share my best tips to keep it from getting bitter and make it just the way you like.

Let’s get brewing!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 6 black tea bags (Lipton or Luzianne work best)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups cold water
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional, reduces bitterness)
  • Ice, for serving
  • Lemon slices or mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Tools

  • Medium saucepan
  • Large heatproof pitcher
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Tea bag clips or spoon for steeping
Classic Southern Sweet Iced Tea

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Tea

  1. Don’t over-steep! Leaving tea bags in too long makes the tea bitter. Stick to 5-7 minutes.
  2. Baking soda trick: A tiny pinch of baking soda smooths out any bitterness. You won’t taste it, but it makes a big difference!
  3. Dissolve sugar while the tea is warm. This helps it blend in smoothly, instead of sinking to the bottom.
  4. Use filtered water if you can. It makes the tea taste fresher and purer.
  5. Chill before serving. Let the tea cool completely before pouring over ice to keep it from getting watered down.

How to Make Classic Southern Sweet Tea

Step 1: Bring Water to a Boil

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium heat.

Classic Southern Sweet Iced Tea

Step 2: Steep the Tea Bags

Remove the saucepan from heat and add the 6 tea bags. Let them steep for 5-7 minutes, then remove them carefully.

Classic Southern Sweet Iced Tea

Step 3: Stir in Sugar and Baking Soda

While the tea is still warm, stir in ¾ cup of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon of baking soda until fully dissolved.

Classic Southern Sweet Iced Tea

Step 4: Add Cold Water

Pour the sweetened tea into a large heatproof pitcher, then add 4 cups of cold water to dilute. Stir well.

Classic Southern Sweet Iced Tea

Step 5: Chill and Serve Over Ice

Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve over ice with lemon slices or fresh mint if desired.

Classic Southern Sweet Iced Tea

Substitutions & Variations

  • Less Sweet? Use only ½ cup sugar or swap with honey for a milder sweetness.
  • Stronger Tea? Add an extra tea bag or let steep for 10 minutes instead of 5-7.
  • Herbal Twist? Try adding a few sprigs of fresh mint while steeping for a refreshing flavor.
  • Citrus Flavor? Stir in a splash of fresh lemon juice for a tangy touch.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Sweet tea can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
  • If making ahead, store without ice to prevent dilution. Just add ice when serving!

Leftovers & Storage

  • Store leftover tea in a covered pitcher in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Avoid keeping it at room temperature for too long, as it can develop a slightly off taste.
  • No ice in storage! Ice will water it down, so always add ice just before serving.

Enjoy Your Homemade Southern Sweet Tea!

That’s it! You’ve just made the best homemade Southern sweet tea—smooth, perfectly sweet, and so refreshing.

Whether you’re sipping it on the porch, serving it at a picnic, or just enjoying a glass with dinner, this recipe will never disappoint.

Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Got any family secrets for the perfect sweet tea?

I’d love to hear them! 🥤🍋💕

Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!